Johnson ruled out of England series

Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson was ruled of the ODI series England due to an elbow infection and has been replaced by teen fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Written by Press Trust of India

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Melbourne:

Australian paceman Mitchell Johnson was ruled of the ODI series England due to an elbow infection and has been replaced by teen fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

"Mitchell had an infected right elbow during the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, which had resolved towards the end of the tournament.

Since returning to Australia he has had a flareup of the condition and is currently being treated for it.

"As part of the treatment he requires specialist medical management over the coming weeks and as such he's been ruled out of the six ODIs against Ireland and England," Australia team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

However, it is unclear if the tattoo Johnson got engraved on his elbow in the off season had anything to do with the infection.

The Chairman of the National Selection Panel Andrew Hilditch said Hazlewood was a deserving candidate for the vacant place.

"Josh Hazlewood has been identified as one of a crop of young fast bowlers who the NSP consider can impact for Australia at international level.

Josh was recently part of the victorious Australia Under-19 ICC World Cup squad, has shown great promise in domestic cricket and is currently partof the AIS Scholarship Program at the Cricket Australia Centre Of Excellence in Brisbane," he said.

If the 19-year-old Hazelwood makes his debut he will become youngest player ever to play for Australia in ODIs.

Ray Bright and Craig McDermott also made their debuts at age of 19 for Ausralia but if Hazlewood gets an opportunity he will be the youngest of all.

Australia are due to play one ODI against Ireland in Dublin on June 17 and five ODIs against England in England from June 22 until July 3.

There are then two Twenty20 internationals and two Test matches against Pakistan in England to finish the tour.